PRESS RELEASE – The New Orleans Zephyrs, Triple-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins, today announced the selection of leading event hospitality firm Centerplate to serve as the food and beverage provider to fans at Zephyrs Field, just in time for the kickoff of the first annual Catholic League Football Series at the ballpark this Friday, September 23.

Celebrating its 20th season in 2016, the 11,000-seat Zephyr Field-“the Shrine on Airline”-has become the focal point for family entertainment in the Greater New Orleans area since it first opened on April 11, 1997, and has welcomed more than seven million Zephyrs fans.

“We are very excited to announce our partnership with Centerplate” said Augusto “Cookie” Rojas, New Orleans Zephyrs Senior Vice President & General Manager. “The food and beverage operation is a critical component of the ballpark fan experience and we are thrilled with Centerplate’s vision to enhance our rebranding effort. Centerplate’s history of exceptional service and quality in food and beverage and their passion for the New Orleans community combine to make them a fantastic addition to our family. We are eager to begin our partnership with them during the first annual Catholic League Football Series at the ballpark, starting this Friday.”

Centerplate, which also provides hospitality services to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center, and the National World War 2 Museum in New Orleans, will bring its experience to the concessions and suite offerings at Zephyrs Field.

“We are extraordinarily pleased to have the opportunity to extend authentic Louisiana hospitality and refreshments to Zephyrs fans and visiting guests,” said Chris Verros, CEO of Centerplate. “Centerplate has been proud to serve the greater New Orleans community for nearly 20 years at many of the city’s world-class event venues, and we look forward to a future partnership that extends our commitment to quality, service and local flavors to create a great gameday experience at Zephyr Field.”

As part of the new partnership, Centerplate will assist with the team’s efforts to update the experience and re-brand operations at the ballpark. According to Steven Trotter, Centerplate’s Regional Vice President based at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, “Everyone on the Centerplate team is extremely proud to have the opportunity to continue efforts in the community, and we’re honored to be a part of this great team and spectacular project. We are looking forward to working with the Zephyrs in the offseason to enhance designs, identify great local products and partners, and to make it better to be at the park.”